Poultry box construction



Oct. 11, 1960 J; c. WILSON 2,955,733

' POULTRY BOX CONSTRUCTION Filed July 29, 1957 V 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. JAMES C. Wusou ATTOR N EYS Oct. 11, 1960 J. c. WILSON 2,955,733

POULTRY BOX CONSTRUCTION Filed July 29, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Q. \3 25 o 0000 o 0 00000 00000 0d] 0 00000 2 000 0 an? 000 00 0000 00 0000000 as 00 00000000 1 00 oooooooo oo 0o -2 4 IQ oouoo 00 0000000 INVENTOR. OONOOOOOO JAMES C.W|LSON w/ BY 4u41f7u77 4 IE[ a.. jM/(f/ Arronngvs h $15. lt is jcustoinry'to rayi ae'jrases {elevated Patented Oct. 11 1955p 2 9ssnss POULTRY 1192 cwwucnou James LC. Wilson, Jacksonville, Fla, tassignomby mesne as i nmen 19 .:QEQ S" ui!1i G 5 :QQIHIEHYrIQlQQQh m. RQQWQWFIQP a iqhi The prese i sn iq rel te t a ox .qot st yc aa- *More particularly, this inventionrelates ,to La jboxlcons u q 9 th un ase-d t .t an n r p is t pou is 'z 'i q skbvk t si n es-min ni f qns'i 't q s s lth 'fs g n 'ttn I i pos edof a t'wlurality of cornpart nien'tsand aretormed to nave a'fbott m pin ri idt qapa a is pa l' i i ie i at tq t i th ai Qf l sh iqxe -;f rom p aper board or thelilie, particularl yivhere e 'Qbi'e'ct's arcane carried Ebdxesfis topro gg jieeianmsi'seac o verticla 'l,cojn ipri sion." 9 are ps any slta 'eked'on a'tbbyethe qtlier vvlienshi ned in ti'uelis or freight cars, and the weight ofthedillediqigtainers above agiven container in thestack tends t iyloolfl apsibr deformithlebottorn .5511 M X i ;II a critical; gammy because'ithe' "physicallyidelicate; liut allso because "of, auto 0111 s is requn'edif the c H as on t hesze chicls fboiesisd that the br s of the fs'taclged; aresfiaeed tram one another verhus providing passageway for jfibviouslyfifthese corners afe niot of suffi wnmanagne-wgm of (the above ls the Qc'iiiiersiviill collapse ihirgill be f 'tl f it i' i signiiicancelofi the totegoingnsmorexeadilnappreeii nan .a 's s tsars a 'l iil nan? a 11 em t sl t :b9Xi 9 93 2es ;9t

,ated when-ibis considered that boxes of thistype are usually erected by hand by unskilled personnel.

It "has additionally been -found that boxes produced *h eretofgrejhave :been deficient in all-around spatial rigidity and resistanoeto deformation. Thus, certain of the prior -art c onst ruct ions, while rigid in one plane are do -for'mable-in another. "Therelationship and interdependence of the members constituting the box, '-of course, t-rauslate such deformation into-forces exertedat points Eotherthan thecorners. Furthermore, -repeated deforma- -tion cumulatively weakens the box to hasten ultimate fa e- Accordingly, it is anobject of the present invention te -provide a box construction of t the type described herein- 15 before which overcomes the problems and deficiences referred to above. v

It is a particular obj ectof this invention to provide a -earton construction which is resistant to vertical comprs sicvn and, at the-sametime, is extremely rigid ,andntesist- 2o ant to forces other than -vertical.

"It-is still another object {of this invention to'providma car-tonconstruetion havingside walls of unusual strength, ail thou-gh formed of a single-sheet of-the material-of 1 0011- ;struct-ion.

vIt'ii Lyet'another .objectof this invention to 'provideaa carton construction having the preceding characteristics which is economic allyiforrned with 'aminimumlof' wastage rofathe-materialof construction. a

"-s It Zis aafiurther object .of iilhiS invention -to provide such asca-rton oonstruction whieh is [easily and simplyenected.

"These and :other objects .of thissiinvention will abeconie napparent s10 those :skilled the art from the following detailed description, :taken in conjunction with/the sananexedsheet .of drawings, on which is presented fonpur- 'aposes of illustration only, an embodiment of this ins/(en- In theldrawings; 1 gEig. arthateeaquarter perspective iew of ,arboxconsmuction in assembled forrn embodying :jthe presentin- 40 wention.

Big. isjan- ;en1arged;p,erspective view, with partsi'broken away, of the side wall construction and associated lanvi w of h blank in knock-downifc a .l an. ma -view o he c osur li in hlanka cnniing to this invention.

is -.a: gm ntay -:s st nal vi w taken on the d call'y, therma ii yention compri e a summa na nted bo eqn t ion inc udin a bo tom wal nad a 8 d wa ls :Part t p membe s, and a n e f ckt n ar an emen between the nani ionmem e sand -th ven ion u her on e pl e hex th .or o n p Whi -inc1ud S- 29Y nco po a in a n ve la k n -a ran es ne on t ucti an a losu lid, zh'sws srates insoniunc n With the fir -m t ned 15 a an m n t im a t r l p t ri t. n assem led, itef n tnq mo e speci ica t t e d aw n s, he e i shown in .Fi .3 'i b an kno k-do form, th tin final Jmdy membe 1:1 used iini ming the box o. .l

tinn o itml tina he blank include c ntral omswal 21a. The major and minor flaps are separated by a pair of opposed slits 19a and 19b spaced outwardly from the fold line 18. Foldably connected to the edges 12, 12a and 13 and 13a are end wall panels 22 and 23, and side wall panels 24 and 25. Score lines 26 extending outwardly from the intersection of the angular edges 14 with the side and end edges serve to define'the ends of the side and end walls when erected. The side and end walls each have an outer edge 27 spaced in generally parallel relationship with the respective edges 12, 12a, 13, and 13a, and each contains a pair of spaced-apart slits 28, 28a perpendicular to the edges 27, and.connected by a a score line 29, also serving as a fold line. There is thus defined a flange flap 30 foldably secured to each of the side and end walls, which flange flap is inset with respect to the edge 27 and extends for a substantial portion of the length of the wall. Each of the flange flaps 30 contains a centrally positioned aperture 32 adjacent the fold line 29, while the associated side and end Wall panels contain a linear slot 31 spaced inwardly therefrom. The foregoing cooperate in a manner explained more fully hereinafter to provide an important feature of this inven-- tion.

The portion of the blank between each of the aforementioned score lines 26 and the adjacent edge 15 of the corner wall panels is divided by score line 33 into laterally extending flaps 34 and 35. The flaps extending from each end of the side wall are identified by the designation 34a, 35a at one end, and 34b, 35b at the other end. The fiaps extending from each end of the end wall 22 are designated at once end as 34c, 35c, and at the other end 34d, 35d. Flaps extending from either end of the side wall 24 are designated 34e, 35e, at one end, and 34 35 at the other end. The flaps extending from either end of the end wall 23 are designated 3.4g, 35g at one end, and 34h, 35h at the other end. All of the flap members 34 are formed to have a width corresponding to the width of the adjacent corner wall panel, e.g., 16, 16a, 16b, or 160.

The partition members for the box construction of this invention are formed as illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5. These partition members are of similar configuration, difiering only in the length thereof and the location of a slot and, therefore, only one of them will be described in detail.

The partition 41 illustrated in Fig. 4 is defined by a bottom edge 42 from which depend feet 43 at the extremities, and feet 44 intermediate the feet 43, an upper edge 45 parallel to the lower edge 42, and side edges 46 extending from the feet 43 upwardly and slightly inwardly. The side edges are slanted as described in order to supportingly abut the side walls in erected form. The side edges 46 terminate at the upper corner of the partition member, Where there is provided upstanding corner tabs 47. Intermediate these corner tabs are provided a pair of larger upstanding tabs 48, the outer portions of which are slightly undercut by the upper edge 45. The partition member is provided at each end with axially extending hook tabs 49. A vertical slot 50 extends upwardly from the bottom edge between the feet 44.

The partition member illustrated in Fig. 5 is identified by the numeral 41, and the individual components thereof will be identified by the same numerals used in identifying corresponding components of the partition member 41 except that the will be used to differentiate them. Instead of a slot in the bottom edge of the partition member, as in partition 41, the partition 41' is provided with a slot 50' extending vertically down from the upper edge 45'. As a consequence, the member 41' has a single central foot 44'. The slots 50, 50' in the respective partition members permit them to be interfitted in perpendicular relationship and, when inserted into the erected carton, will, in this embodiment, provide equal sized compartments. The aforementioned feet serve to elevate the lower edge of the partition members with respect to the bottom of the box to thereby avoid pinching of the toes of the poultry contained therein.

In Fig. 6, there is shown a closure lid 61 in blank form in accordance with this invention. The lid is of general rectangular shape with the corners cut olf. Score lines 62 are impressed across each of the corners and, adjacent to the score lines, a slot 63. The score lines define, thereby, four small corner fiaps 66 which are foldable with respect to the lid proper. Each of the four main edges of the closure lid contains a small centrally positioned notch 64 and, between each pair of oppositely disposed notches, a pair of linear slots in respective alignment therewith.

The box construction provided by this invention, as can be seen by reference to the blank shown in Fig. 3, is economieal and accompanied by very little wastage, inasmuch as the blank has an outer contour which very closely approximates a rectangle, the area of which is almost completely present after scoring and slotting. It can be further seen that the carton construction of this invention comprises, in the embodiment shown, only four members, namely, a principal body member, two partition members, and a closure lid. If it be desired to make the box square, the partition members would be identical, except for the location of the slot permitting interfitting thereof.

The method of erecting the box construction into assembled form will now be described, with particular reference to Fig. 1, wherein the individual components thereof will be identified by the same numerals utilized in identifying them in the foregoing description of the carton construction in knock-down blank form. The principal body member 11 slotted and scored as described in connection with Fig. 3, is laid out flat on a surface, and the end wall panels 22 and 23 are lifted into upstanding relationship with respect to the bottom wall 11a. The longer partition member 41 is then positioned between these end walls and the hook tabs 49' passed through vertical slots 31 in panels 22 and 23. The hook tabs will serve to hold the end walls in upstanding relationship with respect to the bottom wall. The flange flaps 30 associated with each of the end walls are then folded inwardly so that the aperture therein receives and is positively engaged by the upstanding corner tab 47' of the partition 41. The inner extremities of the flange flap 30 will rest on the upper edge 45' (Figs. 5 and 7) of the partition and will be supported thereby. The other partition member 41 can now be introduced by engaging the respective slots 50 and 50 in a manner discussed hereinbefore. Next, side walls 24 and 25 are lifted into upstanding relationship with respect to the bottom wall 11a, and the hook tabs 49 of partition 41 passed through the vertical slots 31 contained in the side walls 24 and 25. This will hold the wall at a slight inclination inwardly from vertical from bottom to top and in contact with the edge 46 of the partition. In a manner similar to that described in connection with the end walls, the flange flaps 30 of the side wall are folded inwardly, and the aperture 32 engaged with the corner tab 47 of the partition 41. At this stage, the box is partially erected with the side and end walls in perpendicular self-held relationship with respect to the bottom wall, and both hands of the person erecting the box can be directed to assembling the corner portions of the box construction.

A particular feature of the invention as referred to hereinbefore is that relating to the cooperative engagement between the corner tab 47 and the side wall. The

tab 47 exerts an inward pressure against the inward edge m 11 diaperan i e t n I, glass, Tatt ties will'be directed ts th 9 1 at this stage is lying outwardlyin" tom alt-apnea, eaqiacen ater and 3556f e err wall 2l31gi1d th'e iilap'extensions 34 and 35f oftheside wan 26. Fast; the flap 34g is folded into yerticalalignmentntith the adjacentccrner lddgelisandflleflap.fisgispositionedialong andin abutifiient iwithftheinnensurfacepf the-sidewall 24. I .Then,

- comerzarallipanel 161:. .is ifolded :upwardly. into abutentwithz'the .outersuriace ofitherflap 34g iblext, .the Eflap 3 4 isezzrappedaboutthe comer-mall panel .160- with ttheiflapgadg insuI-faceabntmenttherewith, and .theflap 35) is folded about the edge of the corner panel 160 into surface abutment with the outer surface of the end wall panel 23. Any convenient fastening means. may be employed to hold the flaps 35 in the position described.

One or two staples have been found to be sufiicient in this regard. The remaining corners of the box are treated in the same manner as just described. It will be seen that the upper edge. 27 o f the extremities of the side and end walls corresponds in height to the height of the corner wall panel 16 as defined by the fold line 18. This serves to define an elevated corner with respect to the major portion ofthe box, the height of which is governed by the flange flap 30 in its folded over position.

The closure lid 61 is next applied, as follows: First, the corner flaps 66 of the closure lid are folded upwardly about the fold line 62, and then the lid is lowered down onto the flange flaps 30, with the notches 64, 65, and 65' in registry with the upstanding tabs 47, 47, 48, 48', of the partition members. The closure lid will, as can be seen, assume recessed relationship with'respect to the eleconvenient, safe vertical stacking. In particular, the tabs 48 and 48', located centrally, prevent the bottom of the box stacked above from sagging. It may also be noted that the outer extremities of these latter tabs, which were undercut by the upper edges of the partition members, may be bent or foldedout of alignment, as illustrated in Fig. 2, to aid in locking the closure lid. The score line 62 of the closure lid is in close relationship with respect to the elevated corner, and the corner flap 66, as previously turned upwardly, will be in close abutment with the upper portion of the flap 34.

To finally lock the carton construction of this invention, the flap extensions 19 of the corner panels are folded down about the fold lines 18, and the minor ear flaps 21 and 21a are inserted into the angular slot 63 in the lid member. The central portion of the extension 19 will thus overlie the corner flap 66, and the major ear flaps 20 and 20a will lie in abutment with the upper portions of the flaps 34 or 35, as the case may be. The slots 19a and 19b are chosen to have a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the closure lid, and the distance between the slots 19a and 19b is chosen to correspond to the longest dimension of the slot 63 in the closure lid. The foregoing insures positive locking engagement of the corner panel member with respect to the closure lid and, addi tionally, prevents lateral displacement of the closure lid. This, it was discovered, is translated into a cooperating strengthening of the side walls through the edge notches 64, the corner tab 47 of the partition member, and the aperture 32 in the flange flap 30. The foregoing cooperative strengthening provided by the various locking features serves to provide a carton construction possessed of overall spatial rigidity and resistance to deformation.

upvil ardly i --slot, said aMpdifications maybe resorted to within the spirit r eitb p cIosuie 'paIieL theimprovement:which comprises '10 ap Tdably connected' to 'saidendand sidewalls, and having {a slpt adjacent said-end andside walls being folded' ihwardly, tabs (m-said partitions projecting registering locking engagement with Jsaid op -closure panel ,also being "provided .with ;an aperturerinz'lssembledxegistry withsaid'slot and embracing said .i'tab, viand mock nabs .2 extending outwardly and down 42351 nanelszhein rnrnmded tdly :rtrom 1hr. nds o .said partition :said w .112095%. s iensa hl 2. A container construction comprising a body member including a bottom wall, side walls, corner wall panels between said side walls, partition members adapted to fit within said body member in erected form and a closure lid, said side walls including a flange flap folded inwardly to assume assembled parallel spaced relationship with respect to said bottom wall, flaps extending laterally from said side walls for overlapping abutment with said corner wall panel and a portion of the next adjacent side wall, said corner wall panel and said flaps defining an elevated corner, said corner wall including an extension foldably related thereto having opposed aligned slits therein defining lock tabs, said partition including an upper edge for supporting said flange flap, end edges abutting said side walls, a second lock tab extending axially from said end, an upper tab projecting upwardly from said upper edge adjacent the end, said side wall and flange flap being provided with slots for receiving said lock tab and upper tab, said closure lid being constructed and arranged to rest on said flange flap in recessed relationship with respect to said elevated corners, said closure including upwardly folding corners for overlapping abutment by said corner wall panel extension, and an opening adjacent each corner for receiving and engaging said first-mentioned lock tab and openings in registry with said upper tabs on said partition.

3. A multi-compartment container formed of relatively stiff sheet material comprising, in combination, a principal body member including a bottom wall defined by side edges connected by angular corner edges, upstanding side wall panels foldably connected at said side edges, each having a generally central slot, a flange flap foldably connected to each of said side wall panels and extending inwardly therefrom in generally parallel spaced relationship with respect to said bottom wall, each of said flange flaps having an aperture in the same vertical plane as said slot in the associated side wall panel, upstanding corner wall panels foldably connected to said corner edges, an extension foldably secured to the upper end of said corner wall panel including lateral ear flaps, flap extensions projecting laterally from each end of said side wall panels, the first of which being adapted to abut the adjacent corner wall panel, and the second adapted to abut a portion of the side Wall panel complementary thereto, a pair of upstanding iuterfitted partition members arranged in perpendicular relationship with respect to each other and characterized by ends in supporting abutment with said upstanding side wall panels, hook tabs extending axially from said partition members for locking engagernent with said slots, and a closure lid constructed and arranged to seat on said flange flaps and having appropriate openings for said upper projections and including upwardly foldable corners adapted to underlie said corner wall extension, and angular slits spaced inwardly therefrom for receiving said ear portions.

4. A container comprising a box-like structure which includes a bottom wall and upstanding side walls integral therewith, a flange flap foldably connected to each side wall at the top and being folded inwardly, and 'a'linear upstanding partition member spanning the distance between said opposed walls, said member having ends in abutment with said side walls, said ends further comprising lock tabs at each end extending axially therefrom and tabs adjacent each end projecting upwardly, said opposed side walls being provided with an aperture engaging said axially extending lock tabs and each of said flaps being provided with an aperture, said apertures being interengaged by said upwardly extending lock tabs.

5. A multi-compartmented container comprising, in combination, a bottom wall, side walls integral with said bottom wall and extending upwardly therefrom, each of said side walls being provided with a slot, flange flaps connected to said opposed side walls extending horizontally inwardly and being provided with an opening spaced from the free edge of said flange flaps, a linear upstanding partition adapted to fit within said container to provide said compartmentation, lock tabs on said partition extending axially outwardly from each end and downwardly'to engage said slot in said side walls, and tabs located proximate the ends of said partition extending upwardly to be engaged by said openings in said flange flaps, said axially extending tab engagement and said upwardly extending tab engagement holding said side wall and said-flangeflap in secure erected relationship.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

